Finding her voice

The reason Tejashree Amonkar will never take on a concert at the last minute — she has to strictly be informed at least a month in advance — is not vanity, but old-school discipline. Her grandmother, noted vocalist Kishori Amonkar, not only does the full selection of her set, but also sits and practices the ragas with her till the day of the recital.

“It is essential for any performer to warm up to a raga, to understand what the notes are trying to say. Classical music needs to be indulged; it can never been rushed. This is something my grandmother strongly abides by, and if you knew what kind of guru she is, you would realise it isn’t hard to completely trust her with your life,” Tejashree smiles.

At 28, the newly-launched singer is the only one from the Amonkar clan who has gained first-hand knowledge from the doyenne of the Jaipur Gharana. Always seen as a young, wisp of a girl, meekly accompanying her grandmother on the tanpura, Tejashree is slowly coming into her own as she makes an independent presence felt on the stage. Having performed in a couple of concerts in Mumbai and Delhi last year, she gave her first solo performance in Pune on Saturday.

Any presumptions one may make about the granddaughter of the country’s finest classical vocalist are sure to dissolve in the face of Tejashree’s delightful candour. “Sleepovers, parties, falling in love with the wrong people — I’ve done it all. People are often astonished when I tell them I’m a classical singer. Maybe they expect me to be clad in a demure khadi kurta instead of denims and a tee,” she laughs.

“Classical musicians do not always have to be very solemn, you know. I’m aware of the public image my grandmother has — as that of a ‘conservative’ woman, but the truth is, she has always been very liberal. She never speaks flippantly because she respects her responsibilities and influence as a public figure. Her words are measured as she would never want to be a wrong example. But in her personal life, she is as modern as modern could get.

My growing up years were no different from any other teenager’s. I’ve taken my share of bad decisions, had my share of heartbreaks. My family always let me follow my heart and learn from my own mistakes,” Tejashree says. While she dabbled in fashion technology for a while, and even worked in the industry for a year, Tejashree informs, “In 2007, I finally stopped kidding myself and came home to music.”

It was before she even learnt to speak, that Tejashree was introduced to classical music. “As a child, I would be drawn to riyaaz sessions that would take place every day in my ajji’s music room. I don’t remember the specific day she formally started teaching me — it happened very naturally,” she reminisces. Her grandmother, she says, is a ‘phenomenal’ guru.

“Once we retire to the music room, Tai ceases to be my grandmother. We don’t speak a word to each other; all our communication is through music and eye contact. She never treats me any differently from her other disciples — she’s always told me that if she had done that, my music would’ve suffered in the end. I never have to articulate my doubts in words before her — once we start singing, the solution simply presents itself. While she never explains anything verbally, you realise that she’s been singing it all along!” Tejashree explains passionately.

In the role of a vocal accompanist, Tejashree admits to having often been ‘clueless’. “To discern exactly when Tai needs a minute’s breather and to retain the mood she has created in your aalap or tana is a tough task. My mind has gone blank so many times on stage! But it takes time to develop that level of understanding,” she elaborates.

As someone who’s been sitting right behind Amonkar during her recitals, Tejashree is one of her closest observers, and believes what truly sets her apart is her ever-evolving ‘style’. “She just never ceases to surprise you,” she gushes.

Now a performer in her own right, the transition is yet to fully sink in. “Whether it’s a half-hour gig or an elaborate three-hour recital, the fact is that I’m all on my own now! I wouldn’t say accompaniment is easier, but it involves following your guru’s lead and not exceeding the limits she has marked.

Here, you’re blazing your own path,” she says. In the beginning, Tejashree felt tremendous pressure every time she looked at her audience. “The colossal expectations everybody harbours thanks to my lineage always lurk at the back of my mind. Now, I try my best not to take them negatively,” she finishes sweetly.

Recent Messages ()

Please rate before posting your Review

OR PROCEED WITHOUT REGISTRATION

Share on Twitter

SIGN IN WITH

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.